US economy grows 4.1 percent in 2nd quarter

The US economy had a blockbuster second quarter, with growth surging to a 4.1 percent pace, the Commerce Department said Friday.

That was nearly double the first quarter rate of 2.2 percent and the strongest pace in nearly four years. President Trump has been steadfastly claiming that his policies will catapult the US economy into a much higher rate of growth, saying that the number will go higher as the trade deals come in one by one.

The gains were driven by strong consumer spending and a surge on exports as manufacturers are in rush to supply products to beat retaliatory trade tariffs before they took effect in early July.